Nelson Questioning Martinez's Record On Aiding Transplants

SUNDAY INSIDER INSIDE FLORIDA

GOV. BOB Martinez is a Johnny-come-lately when it comes to arranging organ transplants for desperately ill children, say supporters of Democratic Rep. Bill Nelson of Melbourne. Martinez's latest TV commercials tout his role in arranging a liver transplant for 6-year-old Johnny Steffen of Greensboro in 1987. But Nelson supporters point out that their guy helped arrange a liver transplant for Ryan Osterblom, now 6, of Indialantic in 1985. ''Of course, you're not going to see that in a TV ad,'' said Don Pride, Nelson's press secretary. And what of Sen. George Stuart of Orlando, who is fighting Nelson for the Democratic nomination for governor? No transplants on his record, but he did support several organ donor bills in the Legislature.